YOUNGSTERS are set to march through the streets of Weymouth with pride this spring, as the youth charity marks a milestone anniversary.

This year the Weymouth Sea Cadets will have been established in the borough for 75 years and to mark the occasion councillors have granted the unit Freedom of the Borough.

The request was received from Phil Dennis from the unit.

Every year since the forming of the unit it has support Trafalgar Day, The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Day. More recently this has also included Veterans Day.

The report read that the borough council is able to grant freedom for “persons who have, in the opinion of the authority, rendered eminent services to that place or area”.

The unit has hosted veteran receptions and are supporters of a host of charity groups in the community such as Joseph Weld Hospice and Weymouth Carnival.

Weymouth Sea Cadets is made up of 104 cadets and staff, split into three sections, Juniors, Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets, ranging from as young as 10 to 18 years old.

Speaking at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's full council meeting, Cllr Pamela Nixon said: "We have all been to Veterans Day where the Sea Cadets have been present – young people who look so proud to be doing what they are doing. This will be worth its weight in gold to give them this and raise their self-esteem.”

Councillors further agreed that up to £6,000 from General Reserves be used towards the cost of a Freedom of the Borough Parade and a church service.

Cllr Ray Nowak added: “I think all of us welcome the idea. I don’t think anyone will be having a second thought. But why is it costing us £6,000?

“Portland gave sea cadets Freedom of the Borough last year. The event cost £1,200 because so much was done in kind.”

Cllr Kevin Brookes responded explaining how it is up to £6,000 and that the first question to the Weymouth Sea Cadets will be what can they do for themselves to reduce costs.

The main costs associated with the Freedom of the Borough relate to holding a church service; road closure arrangements; hire of a dias; hire of a venue with refreshments and provision of transport for guests.

Cllr Christine James added: “I whole-heartedly support this. It is something positive for young people.”